Traffic Stop on I-40 Leads THP Trooper to 7 Pounds of Marijuana

Monday, February 14, 2011 | 03:33am

NASHVILLE --- Three Ohio men are in custody in Decatur County on drug charges after a State Trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on I-40.

At approximately 7:45 a.m., Wednesday, February 9, 2011, Trooper Bradley Atkinson stopped a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquee with Ohio tags for speeding at mile marker 125 eastbound on I-40. Upon approaching the vehicle, Trooper Atkinson smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from within the vehicle. During a conversation with the vehicle occupants, the driver admitted that he possessed a small amount of marijuana which he had been smoking. Trooper Atkinson deployed his K9 which gave a positive response. An agent with the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force, Shane Fisher, responded to the scene to provide assistance. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located four vacuum-sealed packages containing approximately seven pounds of marijuana concealed in the trunk.

Driver Jack Edward Lunsford III, 22, and passengers Michael J. Green, Jr., 34 and Daemon N. Ford, 32, all of Ohio, are charged with possession of schedule 6 with intent to deliver for resale. The driver was cited for speeding, no proof of insurance and no registration. All three suspects were booked in the Decatur County jail on $100,000 bond.

The 1999 Mercury Grand Marquee and the drugs were seized in accordance with state law. A photo of the drug seizure is attached. Photos of the suspects can be obtained from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.